You probably never imagined overseeing a class of children wearing masks, seated behind plexiglass, or instructing grade one students how to ‘raise their hand’ on a video call. Remote learning was deemed appropriate for university students, not those in the elementary years.
Your job, while including teaching, also evolved into a sort of health inspector questioning their coughs, sneezes and sniffles. Sometimes you felt like an army sergeant lining everyone up, spaced apart, or like an officer directing traffic as kids wait for their turn to go through the hallway.
There weren’t any parent volunteers, you put in a doorbell outside at the front entrance for drop-offs, and fun outings were canceled. The energy you once had is drained, the motivation to be positive is languishing, and perhaps by the end of this year you feel like a balloon filled up so much it’s ready to burst.
As we end this year with remote learning, the finish line is in sight.
I want you to know, as a healthcare professional and as a mom, that the rigid structures you’ve been implementing, while taking a toll on you, has helped to keep my kids healthy and safe, and I deeply thank you for that. As you’ve worked hard for them, you’ve also been helping me.
Through all the changes, you’ve seen the dry skin on my son’s hands and gave him extra squirts of lotion, you’ve kept joy in the classroom with “dad” jokes and special Friday ‘O Canada’ traditions, you’ve continued to challenge their physical health with outdoor games and practicing skills. They have enjoyed this year, even with all the changes, and have been glad to be a part of their class.
I realize it’s not been easy, but your efforts have allowed my kids to continue learning and growing, placing my mind at ease. You’ve not just done it for your own safety, but for everyone in the classrooms.
This year has had new challenges and struggles for all of us in our homes and workplaces. Yet, for you in the classrooms, it has been a rather daunting venture. So, I want to thank you, for teaching, leading and helping them through this year.
As I pray for you, I think of pitchers being poured out in service to others and ask that:
“according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:15-19).
Thank you for all you do and may you be filled with the strength and love of Christ.
